This story is from May 30, 2020

Kerala: Finally, primary-level testing to begin

The state government has, for the first time, decided to test samples from the primary level for Covid-19. The decision to commence testing on people coming with influenza like illnesses (ILI) at primary and community health centres followed recommendations from the state-level expert committee headed by Dr B Ekbal.
Kerala: Finally, primary-level testing to begin
Picture used for representational purpose only
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has, for the first time, decided to test samples from the primary level for Covid-19. The decision to commence testing on people coming with influenza like illnesses (ILI) at primary and community health centres followed recommendations from the state-level expert committee headed by Dr B Ekbal.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had, following reports of community spread, issued guidelines to test such patients much earlier.
The expert committee had warned the government that it would not be able to control a community spread if it doesn't start primary level testing even now.
"There are no signs of community spread so far, but we are trying different testing strategies to find if there is any,'' health minister K K Shailaja said.
There had been a rapid increase in the number of cases in the state after May 7, but the committee is learnt to have pointed out that the number of people getting infected through direct contact and patients whose source of infection is not known is also on the rise.
As per reports, there are at least 29 cases in which the source of infection has not yet been traced. As many as 24 health workers have also been tested positive through direct contact. These factors have prompted the demand for primary level testing.
Focus on border districts too
This will be done first in districts like Kannur and Thiruvananthapuram, where a few such cases were reported. Remand prisoners without any known source of infection were tested positive in both the districts while Kannur had reported a similar case of a pregnant woman.

The expert committee is also learnt to have advised the health department to begin primary level testing in all border districts too. The health department will be going for pooled sample testing, like in containment zones, at the primary level due to inadequate supply of testing kits.
At present, those coming with ILI symptoms to primary and community health centres are sent back after giving medicines. Only serious cases are being referred to either general hospitals or medical college hospitals.
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